Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Dive Watch
Ulysse Nardin reaffirms its commitment to ocean conservation and high-performance timepieces by supporting the Vendée Globe, the legendary solo, non-stop regatta around the world. With the release of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe Limited Edition, the brand not only celebrates the spirit of this extraordinary sailing race but also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in watchmaking. Limited to just 300 pieces and priced at €14,400, this watch combines ruggedness with eco-friendly materials, designed to withstand the rigorous demands of the Vendée Globe.
Vendée Globe: A Legendary Challenge
The Vendée Globe, held every four years, is the world’s most challenging solo sailing competition, with sailors covering a gruelling 25,000 km without stops. The 2024 edition features a record-breaking 40 participants, all vying for the honour of completing this journey in approximately 70 days. This year, Ulysse Nardin celebrates the 10th running of the race with a truly innovative timepiece that pushes the limits of durability and environmental responsibility.
Design and Materials: A Sustainable Masterpiece
The Diver Net Vendée Globe is crafted with a 44mm case featuring a central container made of 95% recycled steel. The robust exterior boasts an external polyamide frame derived from recycled fishing nets, coupled with upcycled carbon fibre. The unidirectional bezel also incorporates upcycled carbon fibre but here from racing sailboat hulls, adorned with a Super-LumiNova scale for readability in low-light conditions. Its rugged 14.81mm thickness and 50mm length deliver exceptional durability, while the sapphire crystal and screw-down crown ensure a 300-meter water resistance, making it suitable for serious diving adventures.
The sandblasted grey dial, with striking red, blue, and white accents, features a bold X design and luminescent-filled hour markers and hands. This aesthetic is both practical and symbolic, with a small-second display at 6 o’clock that integrates a round date window. Notably, the 10th of the month is marked in red to signify the November 10th start date of the Vendée Globe and the 10th edition of the race. At noon, a power reserve indicator ensures precision timekeeping, while the sapphire crystal back is inscribed with “The Only Solo Unassisted Non-Stop Sailing Race Around The World,” capturing the watch’s unique dedication to the race.
Movement and Sustainability
Inside, the Caliber UN-118 automatic movement powers the Diver Net Vendée Globe. This 260-component movement is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring a silicone escapement crafted from upcycled silicon from water production waste. Operating at 28,800 Vph, the movement offers a robust 60-hour power reserve. The intricate mechanism, partly visible through the busy sapphire caseback, symbolizes Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to both high-performance watchmaking and environmental responsibility.
Eco-Friendly Strap
The Diver Net Vendée Globe’s strap is no less eco-conscious, made from recycled fishing nets and fitted with a Velcro closure for secure fastening. This design choice emphasizes Ulysse Nardin’s dedication to ocean conservation, aligning with the spirit of the Vendée Globe.
Final Thoughts
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Net Vendée Globe Limited Edition is more than a luxury dive watch; it is a celebration of human endurance and environmental sustainability. As Ulysse Nardin continues to pioneer eco-conscious watchmaking, this timepiece stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving the oceans and supporting one of the world’s most demanding regattas. With only 300 pieces available, this watch is a true collector’s item for those who value both adventure and sustainability.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Diver Net Vendée Globe
Reference: 1183-170LE-2A-VG/0B (red strap), 1183-170LE-2A-VG/0A (gray strap)
Dial: Sandblaste grey
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Recycled steel and Polyamide from recycled fishing nets and upcycled carbon fibre
Case Dimensions: 44 mm Diameter, 14.81 mm thickness, 50 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 300 Meters
Strap: Red or grey strap made from recycled fishing nets with a Velcro closure
Calibre: UN-118
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, power reserve indicator
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 50
Components: 260
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Price: € 14,400
Limited Edition: Yes, 300 pieces
Availability: Now